Pujara helps Saurashtra sneak a draw against Delhi

New Delhi: Promising batsman Cheteshwar Pujara's brilliant century (148) rescued Saurashtra as the the Ranji Trophy Super League Group-A match against Delhi ended in a tame draw here at the Firoz Shah Stadium on Sunday.

With today's draw, Delhi now share Group A top slot alongwith Mumbai with eight points from two matches.

Delhi had declared their second innings at 295 for two in the first session, building up a huge lead of 327 runs.

Saurashtra started on a disastrous note, losing their first wicket when Kanaiya Vaghela was castled by Pradeep Sangwan in the opening over. The visitors kept losing wickets in regular intervals and seemed headed for certain defeat at one stage with the score reading 106 for eight.

It was yet another disappointing performance by the Saurashtra batsmen with as many as six of them failing to reach double figures.

Pujara was the savior for Saurashtra. His superb 148 was studded with 27 hits to the fence. He stood like a rock as wickets kept falling like ninepins at the other end.

Pujara was given company by Sandeep Jobanputra (35, 4x4, 6x1) as the visitors tried to stage a late comeback. Their 119 run partnership rescued Saurashtra from almost certain defeat.

Sangwan was the most outstanding among the Delhi bowlers.

He took four wickets in the second innings, taking his match tally to nine.

Delhi will face defending champions Mumbai in their next match from Nov 23 to 26.